Hints & Tips

TIPS AND THOUGHTS FROM SPORT MEDICINE SPECIALIST DR STEFAN RESNYAK THE ROAD TO SUCCESS LIES IN A HEALTHY AND CLEAN TRAINING REGIME, OUT IN THE OPEN IN AN APPEALING LANDSCAPE.

1. Dr Resnyak: what are your main words of advice to a potential HERO?Dr Stefan Resnyak: "To even think about conquering the Sellaronda HERO, it is best to know one’s limits and, if possible, to overcome them. In a natural way, of course, as this is the only way for participants to satisfy their ambition. The nagging thought of wanting to do better at any costs is detrimental and weakens your EGO, which only grows in strength if you achieve something remarkable and have fun at the same time."

2. How can an athlete discern his physical limits?Dr Stefan Resnyak: "All mountain bikers should undergo an initial health check. Thanks to obtained data, we can then understand one’s current training aptitude and individual training regime and start an individual training programme, checking the athlete’s progress with recurring tests. Participants can thus manage their regime effectively without torturing themselves and at the same time reap the rewards."

3. How much of a role does one’s mental attitude play into this?Dr Stefan Resnyak:"Being 'mentally fit' certainly adds to the physical component, because a competition has its own set of rules. An athlete might be physically fit but his heart might not be into it. Correct preparation is the basic key to every success. Once you learn this, your head won’t feel troubled by nagging doubts and thoughts. External factors such as nutrition and life style do play a just as important role"

4. Where does the fun factor come into all this?Dr Stefan Resnyak: "Fun is essential. If I am trained and fit I will have the privilege of enjoying life at its fullest. I will be able to overcome highs and lows, experience joy and sadness, the weather and the landscape during the HERO race. I’ll become a HERO by growing into my potential because I achieve something which I had never believed possible. Going back home, I’ll only remember an incredible experience."

5. What’s your take on doping?Dr Stefan Resnyak: "I want to achieve something and, if I don’t, I feel frustrated. And so I resort to illegal, performance enhancing substances. I strengthen body and mind with external substances… with that notion, however, we are only fooling ourselves. I become a HERO only because I was pushed to become one. I may be a HERO for other people, but when I look in the mirror I can’t see a HERO staring back because I know who 'made' me into one. What’s more, I am abusing my body by taking something which it isn’t used to and which can be dangerous."

6. What about High altitude training?Dr Stefan Resnyak: "This natural stimulus occurs starting from 1800 metres above sea level, as the oxygen pressure diminishes and the body adapts to the higher altitude, because of the lesser amount of oxygen available. In turn, it will need more red blood cells, which are produced by the EPO hormone. Unfortunately, you can experience this natural stimulus by using illegal substances (artificial, lab-made EPO) which induce the body to create more red blood cells without really working for it. And what do you achieve? You’ll basically be like a thin, scrawny guy trying to lift 200 kg without having properly trained beforehand."